Tucked into – well, to the extent a 94 foot tall metal sculpture can be tucked into – a light industrial neighborhood now mostly hosting Genentech facilities, the sculpture formerly known as the Cabot Cabot Forbes Tower rises from a peaceful grassy spot 243 feet above sea level. (Numbers from a sign on site placed under the auspices of the South San Francisco Historical Society and Historical Preservation Commission.) For its size, and being near the top of the hill, it does actually kind of hide. Eric, who had been there before, pointed it out as we approached, otherwise I might not have even noticed it. As we got closer it actually mostly disappeared behind the neighboring buildings.
The sculpture was created by Lucia and Aristides Demetrios for the Cabot Cabot and Forbes Industrial Park and dedicated on March 28, 1967. The sculpture was acquired by the City of South San Francisco in 1996 and re-dedicated March 28, 1997. It is now known as the Wind Harp, as it is actually produces sound from the wind passing over and through it. These instruments are also known as aeolian harps – named for Aeolus, the Greek god of the wind. This particular instance in one of the largest in the world.
The air was still the day we visited, so I did not get to hear it, but it was still super cool to look at. The site is also very pleasant, feeling fairly private and secluded for being on a hill. There are some nice views, and you can watch planes from SFO go by. If you worked in the area it would be a good spot to have lunch outside, and fun to be able see and hear the harp in varying conditions.
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